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Bulk cargo handler blankets dust at SEPSA’s Port of Veracruz facility

A high-efficiency stevedoring and bulk cargo distribution center in Mexico has specified a powerful dust suppression technology to maximize productivity and minimize water usage, while protecting workers, the sensitive marine environment, and nearby downtown community. The atomized mist equipment from Dust Control Technology of Peoria, Ill., replaces manual hose spraying techniques, enabling the company to effectively manage both settled dust and airborne particles, saving money on water charges and redirecting manpower to core activities.

Servicios Especiales Portuarios S.A. (SEPSA) handles more than 1 million metric tons of bulk cargo per year, primarily materials related to the cement and steel industries, including shredded scrap, pig iron, hot briquette iron, and petcoke. Designed from the outset of operations in 2006 to jump start the efficiency of material handling at the Port of Veracruz, the SEPSA facility has implemented a variety of changes that have further raised productivity more than 40% since that time.

“Each dry bulk material presents its own unique challenges,” observed SEPSA Director Andrew Gillespie. “What complicates matters for us is the strong northerly winds that prevail for about half the year. In addition, the port is nestled into the downtown core of Veracruz, so we have to take great care to prevent fugitive dust,” he said.

Describing the company’s search for a more effective dust control technique, Gillespie continued, “We have a commitment to ensure that the port and the surrounding community continue to live in harmony, and that we take all practical measures to protect the environment. Virtually all of the equipment that we purchase or fabricate is acquired with that in mind. We were looking for the best possible dust suppression method, and when we had a chance to observe the DustBoss at various ports of call around the U.S., we felt like we’d found the right technology.

For vessel loading/unloading, SEPSA employs remote-controlled diesel hydraulic clamshell and/or cactus grabs with a capacity of 15 cubic meters. Dockside cranes capable of handling 25 to 30 metric tons are used, and the company now reports ship discharge rates of more than 1,000 mtph with virtually no fugitive material or negative environmental effects.

The DB-60 uses a series of 30 specially designed brass nozzles to atomize water droplets within a range of 50 to 200 microns, the optimum size for particle attraction and coverage area, then launches them with a powerful 25-hp (18.6-KW) fan. The ducted fan generates 30,000 cu ft (~850 cubic meters) of air flow per minute through the barrel, giving the unit a range of more than 200 ft (~60 meters).

To maximize the suppression effect on the ground, the DustBoss has an optional metering pump built in that allows SEPSA to apply a mixture of water and cellulose to the coal stockpiles, which forms a thin crust and eliminates dust migration during periods of high winds. “The method excels at managing the super-fine particles such as pet coke,” Gillespie said. “It prevents truck movements in the yard from disturbing the stockpiles and keeps the material from migrating off-site.”

In contrast to most dust suppression equipment suppliers, DCT offers a range of nozzles and spray manifolds for different applications, providing the ability to customize the spray pattern and droplet size to suit the specific type of dust being addressed. The DB-60 has an adjustable elevation from 0-50 degrees, and the standard oscillating head delivers 40 degrees of motion. When equipped with optional 359-degree oscillation, a single machine can cover nearly 125,000 sq ft (approx. 1.1 hectares) from a stationary location.

The atomized misting unit is primarily used in the storage areas at the port to control dust during vessel unloading and subsequent distribution of material to rail cars and trucks, operations which typically take two to four days per ship. SEPSA also moves the DustBoss to the pier occasionally, depending on wind conditions and the material being unloaded.

“This technology has been very effective for us,” said Gillespie. “The DustBoss is extremely effective at capturing airborne dust particles, while sufficiently dampening the roadways to prevent the fine dust from becoming airborne. Yet it doesn’t over-saturate the area. The huge plume coming from the machine also serves as an impressive visual demonstration of our dust management technique."

Gillespie is currently refining plans to mount the DustBoss on a tanker truck with a generating unit, creating a self-contained dust suppression vehicle that delivers tremendous versatility and can be relocated quickly to any given location at the facility within minutes.

This article was adapted from materials provided by Dust Control Technology (www.dustboss.com) and Servicios Especiales Portuarios S.A. (SEPSA).

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About Cement Americas

Cement Americas brings focus to issues affecting cementitious materials suppliers and is a bi-monthly magazine from the publishers of Rock Products. Despite the continued depressed condition of both the U.S. economy and construction activity, gains are being seen in cement consumption in the coming years. Read More